Going Organic!

by Jon Fiume
November 23, 2006

The organic movement is here to stay, that is for sure! The industry itself continues to have double digit growth - close to 20% this past year. In fact, this past summer, Wal-Mart entered the organic arena by offering several hundred items in its Texas market. By doing this, they made a commitment to make these products, which are typically priced 20-30% higher than conventional foods, affordable to everyone. Today it is not unusual to see organic foods popping up at your local grocery store, or even some discount stores such as Big Lots. Point being, you no longer need to visit a Whole Foods or your local health food store to find these products.

So, what are organic foods?

Organic foods are foods processed in accordance with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Organic Program regulations. If you are a consumer of organic foods, you may be familiar with the USDA organic seal which is used on foods that meet their established standards.

In the most simplistic sense, organic foods have not been treated with toxic herbicides and pesticides, nor do they contain artificial ingredients, preservatives, or antibiotics, as in the case with many meats and dairy products. In addition, they have not been irradiated or genetically modified. No Dolly the tomato here!

How is a product determined to be organic?

When you see the word "Organic" on the label, it signifies that at least 95% of the ingredients in the product have been organically produced.

When you see the statement "Made with Organic" on the label, the product will contain at least 70% organic ingredients. When there is less than 70% organic ingredients, the organic ingredients may only be listed on the ingredient list and not on the main product panel.

Why should one eat organic?

There are many reasons. One of the main reasons is sustainability; a wonderful word that describes the importance of maintaining farm soils that are able to yield healthy crops for years to come. It is very similar to protecting the earth.

Increased freshness and taste. Compare for yourself. Especially fresh fruits and vegetables. You will notice a difference in flavor.

Organic foods contain higher amounts of nutrients over conventional foods. Related to sustainablilty, the soils are richer in nutrients which produce foods higher in vitamins and minerals.

Organics offer a great alternative to those that wish to avoid genetically modified foods. An organic pepper is a pepper!

Organic foods minimize one's exposure to toxins from traditional herbicides and pesticides. In today's polluted world the less contact to unnecessary toxins the better.

Where do you start?

Consider the following from the Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in produce, which lists the 12 highest and lowest in pesticide contamination. When shopping keep your eyes peeled. Literally! Read the labels or take notice of the stickers on the produce. Again, look for the USDA organic seal.

Highest in pesticides. Therefore consider buying these fresh fruits and vegetables organic.

Apples Celery Grapes - imported Peaches Potatoes Spinach

Bell peppers Cherries Nectarines Pears Red Raspberries Strawberries

Lowest in pesticides.

Asparagus Bananas Cauliflower Kiwi Onions Pineapple

Avocados Broccoli Corn Mangos Papaya Peas

Wish to learn more or become more involved? Visit the following websites:

Sustainable Agriculture Network - www.sare.org

Environmental Working Group - www.ewg.org

Organic Trade Association - www.ota.com

Organic Alliance - www.organic.org

This information is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended to take the place of your current healthcare program or advice from you healthcare professionals.